Government employees call a ‘day of mourning’ in the latest sign of internal discontent over Biden administration policy.
Washington, DC – In a powerful display of dissent, federal government employees in the United States organized a “day of mourning” on Tuesday to recognize the more than 100 days of war in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. This demonstration, organized under the name Feds United for Peace, saw employees from various government agencies, including the White House and Congress, take leave from their jobs en masse to protest against the rising death toll in Gaza and the US’s role in the war.
The move highlights the growing discontent within President Joe Biden’s administration, as he has expressed unwavering support for Israel despite mounting concerns over its military campaign in Gaza. Over 24,200 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, and nearly 1.9 million have been displaced. The organizers of the “day of mourning” emphasized that they did not want to be bystanders to the ongoing violence and called on others with a conscience to take action.
The demonstration by federal employees is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader wave of dissent within the Biden administration. State Department official Josh Paul and Tariq Habash from the Department of Education have both resigned in protest against Biden’s handling of the war. Habash, the department’s only Palestinian American political appointee at the time, cited the dehumanizing effect of US policy on Palestinians as his reason for leaving.
Despite calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Biden administration continues to provide military aid to Israel without setting clear limits on its use. The US earmarks approximately $3.8 billion annually for Israel, and Biden has even bypassed Congress to approve further sales of weaponry. While the administration has recently urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties, critics argue that without more decisive action, these words are empty.
President Biden has also faced criticism for questioning the death toll in Gaza and failing to acknowledge the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This has led to an unprecedented level of dissent within the administration, with members of Congress, including progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, demanding a ceasefire and greater oversight on weapons transfers to Israel.
The discontent over Biden’s policies has also had political consequences, as his support among Arab and Muslim voters has plummeted to an all-time low, according to a recent poll. This could potentially impact his chances of re-election in 2024, especially if he faces former President Donald Trump.
However, those protesting from within the administration face potential backlash. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has threatened disciplinary action against government workers who participated in the “day of mourning,” claiming they are shirking their responsibilities. The organizers of Feds United for Peace emphasize that their action was not a strike but rather a day of mourning, and they are aware of the risks they are taking.
While the exact number of participants in the walkout is unknown, it has exceeded expectations, with many employees choosing to keep a low profile due to perceived intimidation. The group is calling on the Biden administration to support an immediate ceasefire, hold Israel accountable, ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, and facilitate the release of captives.
In a statement, one of the organizers expressed their commitment to public service and their belief that it is a moral obligation and patriotic duty to urge a change in White House policy.
The “day of mourning” organized by federal government employees serves as a powerful statement against the Biden administration’s stance on the Gaza war. It highlights the growing discontent within the administration and the potential political consequences for Biden. As the war continues, the voices of dissent within the government are becoming increasingly vocal, calling for a change in policy and an end to the violence in Gaza.
